Crane periodic inspection is a mandatory technical inspection carried out at specific intervals to determine whether cranes continue to operate safely. In Turkey, it is required by occupational health and safety legislation. It is important to remember the mandatory OHS-Katip contract between the authorized expert and the company before the inspections.

What is crane periodic inspection?

It is a detailed inspection carried out to determine:

whether cranes are operating in accordance with their lifting capacity;

whether they are mechanically, electrically, and structurally safe;

whether they pose risks to the operator and the environment.

Legal basis (Turkey):

Regulation on Health and Safety Conditions in the Use of Work Equipment

Cranes are classified as "lifting and conveying equipment".

Inspection period: at least once a year

This period may be shorter in cases of heavy use, challenging environments, or at the manufacturer's request.

How is crane periodic inspection performed?

1️⃣ Document Review

Crane User Manual

Previous Periodic Inspection Reports

Capacity and Technical Information

2️⃣ Visual and Mechanical Inspection

Ropes, chains, hooks (cracks, wear, breakage)

Drum, pulley, braking systems

Bolts, pins, and connections

Chassis and supporting structure (deformation, cracks)

3️⃣ Electrical and Safety Systems Inspection

Limit switches

Overload sensors

Emergency stop

Control buttons

Grounding and electrical installation

4️⃣ Functional Tests

Lifting up and down

Forward and backward movement

Rotation and stopping responses

Braking performance

5️⃣ Load Test (critical stage)

Static tests are generally performed once every 3 years at 125% of the nominal load, and in subsequent years at operating capacity without using a coefficient.

In dynamic tests, the capacity is checked at 1.1 times its current level every 3 years, and in subsequent years, the operating capacity is checked without using the multiplier. Controlled lifting is performed.

Brakes and structure are observed.

6️⃣ Reporting

Compliance/non-compliance is noted.

Risks are stated.

If necessary, a "non-usable" decision is made.

The following information about the person performing the inspection is included in the report:

Competence

Signature

Date

Who can perform this inspection?

Mechanical engineer

Mechatronics engineer

Technical teacher (relevant branch)

Crane operators or company personnel cannot perform periodic inspections.

What happens if the inspection is not performed?

Administrative fine

Severe legal and criminal liability in case of work accident

Insurance invalidation

Work stoppage